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This means many people are now playing on websites that are not approved or regulated. These sites don’t follow any safety rules. And the biggest worry? Young people and players who banned themselves from gambling are the ones most at risk.
Illegal Betting Is Increasing Fast
According to a new report by BAGO (Belgian Association of Licensed Gambling Operators), 1 in every 4 players is now using unlicensed betting websites. This is a big issue because these sites:
- Don’t check age
- Don’t follow deposit limit
- Don’t use EPIS (the self-exclusion system in Belgium)
- Don’t protect players
Yani, players are entering a risky space with no control and no safety. If you lose money or face addiction problems on such sites, nobody will help you.
Self-Excluded Players Are Returning Through Illegal Sites
Belgium has a self-exclusion system where players can block themselves from gambling. But this study found that 47% of those self-excluded players have started gambling again on illegal platforms. Why?
- Illegal sites don’t follow the self-exclusion rules
- These sites welcome everyone – even vulnerable people
- Players find it easy to start again through social media ads or Google search
This is dangerous, because people who want to gamble themselves are in this phase again.
Youth Are Getting Addicted Too
Young adults are also getting pulled into this world. Earlier, when the legal gambling age was 18, almost half of the boys aged 18 to 21 were gambling illegally. Now that the age limit is 21, the number has gone up to 65%.
Even more shocking – 97% of these young players know at least one illegal gambling brand. This shows how strong illegal betting ads are, especially on social media. These platforms are promoting gambling without thinking about safety or legal limits.
BAGO Says It’s Time to Take Strict Action
Tom De Clercq, Chairman of BAGO, said that Belgium is going in the wrong direction. Legal betting sites follow strict rules and spend money on responsible gambling programs. They even signed a Duty of Care Charter in November 2023 to protect players.
But illegal sites? Unke liye koi rule hi nahi hai. No age check, no deposit control, no help for addicted players.
If this continues, Belgium might lose full control over its gambling industry – just like some other nearby countries.
What Needs To Be Done?
Emmanuel Mewissen, Vice-Chairman of BAGO, said the solution is clear:
- Give the Gaming Commission more power
- Make stronger laws to stop illegal websites
- Help people find and use safe, legal platforms
- Block access to unlicensed gambling websites
- Raise awareness among youth about the risks
This will help create a safer gambling market where players are protected and the industry stays in control.
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